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    TVS Motor Buys Stake In Switzerland Based Electric Bike Company

    TVS Creon Electric Scooter
    TVS makes second big European acquisition after it acquired iconic British two-wheeler brand Norton Motorcycles
    TVS Motor Company has made another major acquisition of a European firm, this time in the field of electric mobility. The Indian bikemaker has acquired majority stakes at Switzerland-based EGO Movement which makes electric bicycles.
    The company has struck an Rs. 132-crore (CHF 16.6 million) all-cash deal to pick 80 percent stakes of EGO. The remaining 20 percent will be held by the founders of the Swiss company. The deal was made through TVS’ Singapore-based subsidiary TVS Motor Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    TVS In Europe
    This is the second major acquisition by TVS in Europe after it bought the iconic British brand Norton Motorcycles. After the latest development, TVS plans to grow its presence in the electric mobility space across Europe and later expand to other markets such as India and USA.
    The company expects to generate a revenue of USD 100-150 million from the e-bike business in the next five years. Joint Managing Director of TVS, Sudarshan Venu, affirmed that the deal is progress towards delivering unique e-mobility solutions.
    EGO Electric Bike
    Led by the co-founders Daniel Meyer and Marie So, EGO Movement is a Swiss technology company providing a wide range of mobility solutions such as e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-scooters. The brand has expertise in combining designs with software and hardware. At present, it has a very small omni-channel network of 10 retail stores across Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany with plans to expand across Europe.
    Expansion & Growth Plans
    The Swiss company currently employs around 40 people. EGO has reported annual sales of around 3500 units last year with a revenue of USD 6 million in 2020 The brand looks to expand its presence by ramping its retail network to 20 stores by 2022 and 32 by 2025. With the proposed expansion, TVS expects the revenue of EGO to grow to CHF 10 million this year and about USD 100 million (CHF 90 million) in about five years.
    Venu added, “We’re building a strategic personal e-mobility ecosystem by scaling unique brands which share our vision of delivering compelling customer experience benchmarks through cutting-edge, aspirational products.” He further revealed that the e-mobility space is growing at a double-digit CAGR particularly in European markets like Germany, Switzerland and Netherlands.
    TVS has been in the news in the past few hours ever since it launched a new 125cc sporty commuter motorcycle in the form of Raider. The bike has been offered at a starting price of Rs 77,500 and packs a lot of goodies for a 125cc motorcycle. More

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    TVS iQube Beats Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter In Aug 2021 Sales

    New Bajaj Chetak Electric ScooterDue to global shortage of semiconductors, electric two-wheelers are unable to reach full potential
    Intense rivalry between Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube continues, with the latter registering MoM growth of 20.19% in August. Sales are at 649 units. In comparison, Chetak sales are down to 364 units in August from 730 units in July 2021. That’s MoM loss of more than 50%. In YoY terms, Chetak has gained 89.58% in comparison to 192 units sold in August last year. iQube YoY growth is much higher at 2721.74%, as compared to 23 units sold in August last year.
    iQube maintains lead in 2021
    Taken together, Chetak and iQube have sales of 1,013 units in August. YoY growth is 371.16%, as compared to 215 units sold in August last year. MoM numbers are down by -20.24%, as compared to 1,270 units sold in July 2021.
    Cumulatively, iQube is ahead of Chetak this year. During Jan-August period, iQube total sales are at 2,904 units in comparison to 2,355 units of Chetak. iQube was ahead in five months this year whereas Chetak has registered higher sales in April, May and July. iQube August sales are its highest ever this year. In comparison, Chetak highest sale this year was in July.
    Shortage of semiconductors
    Several auto companies including Bajaj are experiencing production constraints due to global shortage of semiconductors. Due to this, Chetak is only being sold in batches. Bookings are closed when a batch is sold out. The company had to close bookings multiple times since Chetak was launched last year in January.
    Bajaj Chetak vs TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales Aug 2021
    Bookings are currently open for Chetak, but it will be closed again when the batch is sold out. Bajaj is not taking bulk bookings, as it does not want customers to be kept waiting for months.
    Threat from new rivals
    While there are several electric two-wheeler brands, Chetak and iQube are the only ones currently being manufactured by mainstream players. Normally, one would expect established players to achieve better results than start-ups. However, as things are unfolding now, it appears that start-ups and tech companies are taking the lead in electric two-wheeler segment.
    As this is a technology-driven space, anyone with better technology has the potential to emerge a winner. In recent times, better equipped scooters such as Simple One and Ola Electric have been launched. Ola recently opened bookings for its S1 and S1 Pro scooters, which have clocked sales worth more than Rs 600 crore in a single day. This is likely to be a new record in electric two-wheeler segment.
    Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube electric scooter sales cross 5k in first 8 months of 2021
    These developments indicate that Chetak and iQube will have to prepare themselves for a tough fight ahead. They need to introduce consistent updates to improve overall customer experience. Things like range need to be increased whereas charging time should be reduced. Manufacturers also need to invest in developing battery charging infrastructure, so that customers can take their electric vehicles out on the streets without any doubts or concerns. More

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    TVS Raider 125cc Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 77k – Pulsar, Splendor Rival

    New TVS Raider 125cc MotorcycleThe TVS Raider targets younger buyers with its sporty looks, sharp bodywork and premium features
    After a host of teaser videos being released, TVS Motor Company has officially launched the new Raider 125 motorcycle in India. This sport-commuter bike adds to the ever increasing list of 125cc bikes in the country. It will be offered as a capable competitor to the Honda CB Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125, Bajaj Discover 125 and Hero Super Splendor in the Indian market.
    Sporty Styling
    The new TVS Raider 125cc is priced at Rs 77,500 (Ex-Delhi). At this price, it is about Rs 5k more expensive than the Hero Super Splendor, while it is about Rs 1k cheaper than the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and almost Rs 23k cheaper than Pulsar NS 125. In the company line-up, the new Raider is positioned between Radeon 110 and the Apache RTR 160 4V.
    Being a new gen motorcycle, it shares some features with the Apache series. Raider gets all LED head and tail lamps along with LED DRLs. It also sports a fully digital instrument cluster with tachometer, gear position indicator along with speedometer, fuel gauge and clock. It also gets TVS Bluetooth connected features.
    Sporty accents extend to a muscular fuel tank, sharp belly pan and split seats. TVS Raider 125cc is being presented in four colour options of Blue, Red, Yellow, and Black but with a dual tone finish with black colour on its tank shrouds.
    TVS Raider 125cc
    TVS Raider 125 is positioned on a 1,326mm wheelbase and rides on 17 inch alloy wheels at the front and rear. It gets a 10 liter fuel tank while kerb weight is at 123 kgs. Fuel efficiency is pegged at 67 km/l, thanks to ET Fi. A segment-first for a 125cc motorcycle in India, TVS Raider 125 comes in with two ride modes of Eco and Power. Eco mode will relate to better fuel efficiency while Power mode is for fun.
    Engine, Suspension and Braking
    TVS Raider 125 is powered by a 14.8cc, three valve, air cooled engine offering 11.4 hp power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Suspension is carried out via telescopic fork in the front and gas charged 5 step preload adjustable monoshock at the rear while braking is by a 240mm disc set up in front and 130mm drum at the rear.
    Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Motor Company caters to customers across almost every continent. We are happy to add a new global motorcycle platform to our portfolio with the TVS Raider, which is designed for the young, digitally native Gen Z. True to its target segment, it is equipped with cutting-edge in vehicle and connected technology. I am confident that TVS Raider shall be the preferred choice for our young consumers both in India and globally.”
    TVS Raider 125cc
    TVS Jupiter 125 Incoming
    In related news, TVS Motor Company is also expected to expand its range with the new Jupiter 125 scooter which will rival the Honda Activa 125 and Suzuki Access 125.TVS Jupiter 125 will be positioned between Jupiter 110 and TVS NTorq 125.
    It will sport similarities to the Jupiter 110 and will borrow its engine from the Ntorq. This 124.8cc, single cylinder, air cooled, fuel injected engine would have different power and torque ratings and CVT ratios while fuel efficiency will be better than that offered by the Norq 125.The new Jupiter 125 is slated to be launched in the coming weeks. More

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    New TVS 125cc Motorcycle Teased (Pulsar Rival) – Is It Fiero, Retron, Raider?

    TVS Fiero 125Upon its launch, the upcoming 125cc motorcycle from TVS will rival Bajaj Pulsar 125 NS, Hero Glamour X-TEC, Splendor Plus and Honda Shine
    TVS is getting ready to add a 125cc motorcycle to the line-up in India. Currently, TVS does not have any 125cc motorcycle on offer in domestic market. But they do manufacture 125cc motorcycle for export markets – Start City 125 and Victor. In India, the only 125cc option they have is in the form of Ntorq scooter.
    TVS took to social media recently to confirm that the bikemaker will be launching two new 125cc two-wheelers in India. One will be a motorcycle and one will be a scooter. The development was confirmed by the Joint MD of TVS Motor Company- Sudarshan Venu.
    TVS Fiero 125
    Is this the new TVS Fiero 125cc?
    TVS had filed trademarks for the names Fiero, Raider and Retron in the past and there is also a chance that the upcoming 125cc motorcycle might come bearing one of these names. TVS has confirmed that they will launch the motorcycle this month. As per the official teasers, the debut date is 16th Sep 2021.
    The new TVS Fiero 125cc will serve to bridge the gap between the entry-level 110cc bikes and the sportier Apache range of motorcycles starting with 160cc. From the teasers, it looks like that this new 125cc motorcycle will also be coming with racing characteristics like the Apache range. Take look at the teaser video below.
    [embedded content]
    New TVS 125cc motorcycle will get LED headlights, LED tail-lights, LED DRLs, LED turn indicators, all digital instrument cluster, disc brake, ABS, split seats, black alloys, tubeless tyres, etc. Unlike the Apache range, which is powered by Apache’s RT Fi or Race Tuned Fi, the new TVS Retron 125 will be powered by ET Fi or Eco Thrust Fi. TVS ET Fi is already on offer with their commuter range like Jupiter, Radeon, etc.
    TVS Fiero 125
    The upcoming TVS Raider 125 is likely to be slotted in between Radeon and the Apache 160 in the company range. Speculations are rife that this motorcycle will be powered by an existing 125cc motor which currently propels Star City 125 and Victor 125 for export markets. Expect this engine to churn an output around 10 bhp and 11 Nm of torque. The motor is likely to be coupled with a 5-speed gearbox, 1-down and 4-up.
    Jupiter 125
    The second 125cc offering to be launched by the bikemaker is expected to be a more powerful derivative of Jupiter which is likely to borrow the same engine as NTorq. However, the latter is expected to be tuned for slightly lower output in order to generate better fuel efficiency. The 125cc scooter segment in India has gained plenty of traction in recent years with several models from Hero MotoCorp, Honda and Yamaha.
    The Hosur-based manufacturer would want to increase its strength in the 125cc two-wheeler segment amidst growing competition. TVS has also registered another trademark for Apache RTR 165 RP which is expected to be the next addition to the Apache range of motorcycles. More

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    Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube Electric Scooter Sales Post Record Growth

    Bajaj ChetakBajaj Chetak and TVS iQube electric scooter sales have grown over 10 times in 2021, compared to 2020
    Electric scooter sales in India have been noting a marked increase over the past year, following ever increasing fuel prices. New entrants have entered the fray that include recently launched Ola and the Simple One, competing with more established rivals from Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather, Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube, etc.
    In 2021, sales of Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube have noted significant increase over sales in the same period of the previous year. Bajaj Chetak sales stood at 1,991 units in 2022, up from 332 units sold in 2021. TVS iQube sales increased to 2,255 units up from 71 units in the corresponding period. Total sales of these two, increased from about 400 in 2020 to over 4k in 2021 (Jan-July period).
    Chetak, iQube Sales Increase
    Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube, these two electric scooters have seen widescale acceptance by buyers in India over the past few months. Sales in June-July period have been the highest. Both scooters have posted a total of over 1,000 sales in both these months.
    Sales of both e-scooters could have been higher, but they currently on sale only in a few cities only. Bajaj Chetak sales only recently expanded to Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore and Mangalore while more cities will be added in the coming months. By end of 2021, Bajaj expects that the Chetak will go on sale across 22 new cities and by March 2022, Chetak will be available in 40 cities.
    Chetak and iQube electric scooter sales – 2021 vs 2020
    TVS iQube, on the other hand, is currently available in Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Coimbatore. It is expected to go on sale in more cities of Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata soon. iQube will also be available in a number of Tier I cities.
    Electric Scooter Demand
    Not only Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube, all electric vehicles are registering increase in sales / demand. Be it cars or two wheelers, EVs are much in demand. Boost in demand is due to multiple reasons. Top two reasons which has boosted EV demand in recent months – is the increase in petrol price and increase in subsidy thanks to FAME scheme and state govt incentives.
    OEMs are currently working towards increasing their manufacturing capacity, to meet the growing demand of EVs. Bajaj will setup new plant in Chakan near Pune for EVs. TVS has Rs 1,000 crore investment plan for EVs. Hero Electric is increasing production capacity to 10 lakh units. Ampere, Okinawa also has plans to increase production of EVs. Basically everywhere you look, all are trying to be a part of the EV boom.
    Currently, many buyers are staying away from EV due to reasons like higher price, little to no availability of charging network, etc. But these concerns will not remain for long. With increase in production, rise in sales, battery prices are expected to decline in coming years. With more people buying EVs, network of EV chargers is also expected to grow at a similar rate. This will boost EV sales across segments. EVs are likely to replace ICEs at a faster rate than expected. More

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    New TVS Fiero, Jupiter 125cc Launch Soon – Pulsar , Activa Rival

    New TVS Fiero – Render By Rash GearWith higher disposable incomes, there’s growing preference for 125cc two-wheelers over entry-level 100cc bikes
    Aiming for a more balanced portfolio, TVS will be launching all-new Jupiter 125 and a sports commuter motorcycle Fiero 125. Both these products will be entirely new, although they might share engine and other hardware with existing TVS two-wheelers. While Jupiter 125 will rival the likes of Suzuki Access 125 and Honda Activa 125, Fiero 125 will take on Honda CB Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and recently launched Hero Glamour XTEC.
    TVS Jupiter 125 – key details
    TVS already has the 125cc Ntorq, which is among the bestsellers in this segment. The company feels the need for another 125cc scooter because Ntorq is primarily targeted at a younger audience base.
    Ntorq has sporty vibes and is offered in trendy colour options. In comparison, Jupiter has relatively sober design and is meant for everyday commuting needs. Jupiter 125 can be a good option for those who want a powerful scooter, but do not like the trendy / sporty avatar of the Ntorq..
    Till date, TVS has kept details about its new two-wheelers tightly under wraps. However, reports indicate that Jupiter 125 will have a completely new design. Only a few styling bits are expected to be borrowed from 110cc Jupiter. To improve its chances against rivals, Jupiter 125 will be good looking as well as practical.
    TVS Jupiter 125 Render
    Expect the new Juputer 125 platform to accommodate an electric powertrain as well. We all know vehicle manufacturers have been increasing their focus on EVs. TVS had recently said that they have a dedicated team working on EVs. It is likely that the new Jupiter 125 could spawn into an electric scooter in the near future.
    Talking about engine, Jupiter 125 will most likely borrow the unit currently used with Ntorq. However, power and torque output and CVT ratios may be slightly different. On Ntorq, the 125 cc motor churns out 9.25 bhp of max power. The scooter has a top speed of 95 kmph.
    Jupiter 125 is expected to get an analogue instrument console. A small digital unit may be added to display information such as trip meter and fuel level. Jupiter 125 could be launched at around the same price as that of Ntorq. The latter is available at a starting price of Rs 72k (ex-showroom, Delhi).
    TVS Fiero 125 Name Registered
    TVS Fiero 125
    Before Jupiter 125, TVS will launch its new Fiero 125cc motorcycle. As of now, TVS does not have a 125cc motorcycle on sale in the domestic market. But they do have 125 cc motorcycles on offer in international market.
    The new Fiero 125 could use the engine from this existing TVS motorcycles (Star City 125 and Victor 125). Fiero can fill the gap between the company’s entry-level 110cc bikes and Apache RTR series motorcycles. It is expected that Fiero 125 will seek design inspiration from RTR series motorcycles such as 160 4V.
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    TVS Apache 165 RP Name Trademark – Sportier Than RTR 160 4V

    Image for reference
    TVS is eyeing to expand the Apache lineup with new derivatives of the sporty commuter motorcycle
    Apache has been the flagship motorcycle brand of TVS Motor. The company has been active at updating the Apache line-up. Recently they introduced significant updates to its flagship Apache RR 310.
    And it seems the Hosur-based bikemaker is not settling down yet. The company recently filed a trademark for Apache RTR 165 RP. There are no details of this bike currently available with us but we believe that it could be a sportier version of Apache RTR 160 4V. The ‘RP’ in the moniker could possibly stand for Racing Performance which could be the start of a new performance-based sub-brand from TVS.
    Expected Updates on New TVS Apache 165
    The upcoming iteration of Apache might offer a bump-up in engine displacement and this can be possible thanks to a rebored version of the 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine currently empowering Apache RTR 160 4V.
    In its current form, this fuel-injected motor pumps out 17.63 bhp and 14.73 Nm of peak torque which in itself is segment-leading. In the updated form, this powertrain is expected to push out a few extra horses and slightly higher torque.
    TVS Apache RTR 165 RP name trademark application
    A few cosmetic changes would also be made in order to distinguish itself from the rest of the lineup. Ergonomics of the bike is likely to be altered as well with slightly lower handlebars. In addition, footpegs are expected to be shifted towards the rear lending a slightly aggressive ride posture.
    TVS might also alter the tuning of the suspension setup for a sportier ride and this would lead to improvement in overall performance as compared to RTR 160 4V. That said, the suspension setup comprising telescopic forks at front and a Showa-tuned mono-shock unit at rear with preload adjustability are expected to be carried forward to Apache RTR 165 RP. Braking duties will likely be carried out by disc brakes at both ends which could also benefit from dual-channel ABS as standard.
    Expected features, price
    In terms of features, all gizmos on offer in RTR 160 4V are expected to be carried forward to RTR 165 RP. These include all-LED lighting, LED DRLs, a fully digital instrument cluster, a wave bite ignition key, a one-touch start and Glide Through Traffic (GTT) technology. Apache RTR 165 RP is likely to be priced at a premium of Rs 5,000-10,000 over RTR 160 4V which is currently priced between Rs 1.12 and Rs 1.15 lakh (ex-showroom).
    All these are speculations at the moment since the launch of such a motorcycle hasn’t been confirmed by TVS yet. Automakers tend to file trademarks for many future products which eventually don’t end up in final production. Hopefully, we get hold of some more details about RTR 165 RP in the coming days. More

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    TVS Sales Aug 2021 – Apache, Ntorq, Jupiter, XL100, iQube Electric

    Image – Autoholic ManishTVS Motor Company reports decline in 2W domestic wholesales, and growth in exports in August 2021
    Keeping in mind ongoing increase in input costs, TVS Motor Company recently revised its two-wheeler price list. Prior to the festive season, the company has also introduced a ‘Race’ and ‘Dynamic’ kit for its highest cc 310 Apache unit.
    TVS Motor Company reports 1.05 percent sales decline for total two wheelers sold in August 2021. Sales dipped from 2,77,226 units to 2,74,313 units. Of total sales domestic two-wheeler wholesales fell to 1,79,999 units at 17.56 percent decline, down from 2,18,338 units YoY.
    Volume loss stood 38,339 units. 2W exports grew significantly at 60.16 percent, up at 94,314 units from 58,888 units. Volume gain is reported at 35,426 units. Of total 2W sales, domestic sales accounts for over 60 percent of volumes.
    TVS August 2021 YoY sales
    Total motorcycle sales grew by 11.60 percent. Sales rose to 1,33,789 units, up from 1,19,878 units. Volume gain stood at 13,911 units. Scooter sales were stable at 87,059 units. Best selling motorcycles include Apache, Sport, Radeon, Star City. XL100 Moped sales fell to 53,465 units, down from 70,304 units. Volume loss stood at 16,839 units at 23.95 percent decline.
    TVS Sales Aug 2021
    3W domestic sales has been constrained for many long months now. With Covid-19 pandemic having brought all nature of commute to a standstill for months at an end, lockdown restrictions active even now haven’t been kind to the 3W market. Domestic market performance was stable at 768 units, up from 713 units. Exports rose significantly at 15,613 units, up from 9,459 units. Volume gain stood at 6,154 units. Of the total 3W market, TVS exports last month accounted for 95.31 percent.
    Total (2W and 3W) domestic market sales accounted for 1,80,767 units, down from 2,19,051 YoY. Sales decline stood at 17.48 percent at volume loss of 38,284 units. Exports on the other hand took strong strides at 60.84 percent growth. Volume gain stood at 41,580 units. A total (2W and 3W) 1,09,927 units were exported, up from 68,347 units YoY.
    TVS August 2021 MoM sales
    MoM total motorcycle sales fell by 3.59 percent. Sales fell from 1,38,772 units at volume loss of just under 5k units for July 2021. Scooter sales improved by 12,708 units at 17.09 percent. Top selling scooters include Jupiter, Ntorq, Pep+. Even the TVS iQube electric is now much in demand.
    TVS Sales Aug 2021
    Moped sales growth stood at 7.78 percent at volume gain of just under 4k units, up from 49,605 units. 2W domestic sales improved 2.76 percent at volume gain of 4,830 units. 2W exports growth is reported at 7.71 percent at volume gain of 6,755 units. Total 2W sales growth is reported at 4.41 percent at volume gain of 11,585 units, up from 2,62,728 units.
    3W domestic wholesales end exports were in the green. Domestic sales improved by 219 units, and 3W exports were stable in a MoM comparison. Total (2W and 3W) domestic sales volume grew by about 5k units, and 3W volumes grew by 6,794 units. Total MoM volume gain in August 2021 stood at 11,839 units More